Unit of orientation for peripheral ophthalmometry

ABSTRACT

This invention pertains to a mechanical unit which is applied to an optical instrument known as an Ophthalmometer which is used to determine the corneal curvature of the eyes of a patient being fitted with corneal contact lenses, the unit of orientation provides eight luminous orientation points and everytime one of a patient&#39;&#39;s eyes is focused on one of these points a corneal measurement will be made by the Opthalmometer, the luminous points preferably consist of eight small electric light bulbs, which are adjustable to predetermined locations. Eight readings will have been made on the Ophthalmometer after the eye has been focused sequentially on all eight light bulbs. A control box is provided which includes a selector switch whereby the light bulbs are sequentially illuminated to guide the eye of the patient.

United States Patent [191 Zarraga UNIT 0F ORIENTATION FOR PERIPHERAL OPHTHALMOMETRY [76] Inventor: Carlos Alberto Zarraga, Esguina Cipresses, Edifico San Andres,

Caracas, Venezuela Filed: Feb. 16, 1971 Appl. No.: 115,221

US. Cl. 351/6, 351/13 Int. Cl A61b 3/10 Field of Search 351/6, 16, 39, 13,

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3/1969 Soper 351/6 X 12/1968 McClemon 351/6 1,750,931 3/1930 Kellner et a1. 351/13 X 1,006,825 10/1911 Buchhop 351/24 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 650,857 H1963 Italy 351/6 Oct. 16, 1973 Primary Examiner-David Schonberg Assistant Examiner-Paul A. Sacher Attorney-John Cyril Malloy [5 7] ABSTRACT This invention pertains to a mechanical unit which is applied to an optical instrument known as an Ophthalmometer which is used to determine the corneal curvature of the eyes of a patient being fitted with corneal contact lenses, the unit of orientation provides eight luminous orientation points and everytime one of a patients eyes is focused on one of these points a corneal measurement will be made by the Opthalmometer, the luminous points preferably consist of eight small electric light bulbs, which are adjustable to predetermined locations. Eight readings will have been made on the Ophthalmometer after the eye has been focused sequentially on all eight light bulbs. A control box is provided which includes a selector switch whereby the light bulbs are sequentially illuminated to guide the eye of the patient.

26 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PAIENTEUum 16 ms 3. 765753 INVENTOR.

CHALOS ALBERTO ZARFEVJGH 147 7 ORA/E y,

PATENIEUncI 18 ms 3.765 Q 753 sum u or 5 98. INVENTOR (HE/.05 ALBERTO 24/??46/9 ATTOFNEX 1 UNIT OF ORIENTATION FOR PERIPHERAL OPHTHALMOMETRY STATE OF THE PRIOR ART DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The Unit of Orientation for Peripheral Ophthal- Some devices presently in use for providing the eight mometry Of the present invention is adapted to be apnecessary readings generally required for Peripheral Ophthalmometry simply consist of a transparent plastic sheet or plate which provide eight fixed reading points, while others provide just one luminous point which must be progressively positioned in each of the desired locations by the use of gauges or the like, consequently the operation thereof is very exacting and timeconsuming.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The unit of orientation of the present invention generally comprises a rotatable capsule which isadapted to receive the tube of the Ophthalmometer in a fixed relation, the capsule includes a stationary portion which has fixed thereto a plurality of radially extending arms which carry the luminous points of orientation in the form of small electric light bulbs. One of the radially extending arms is generally vertically disposed downwardly and is substantially longer the the other arms. A bracket means is carried by thelonger arm, adjacent its lower end, which includes adjustable attachment means whereby said lower end is movable horizontally and generally vertically relative to-the bracket. The bracket means includes one bracket portion which provides an attachment means to a portion of the Ophthalomometer.

A control box, having electrical connection means to the lights, provides a selector switch for sequentially lighting the small electric bulbs, a rheostat for varying the intensity of light emitted by the bulbs, a main on-off switch and a pilot light.

Each of the small electric bulbs is. preferably mounted in a receptacle which is slidable along one of the radially extending arms whereby all of the bulbs may be accurately placed in their respective predetermined positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the unit of orientation for Peripheral Ophthalmometry of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the unit illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross sectional view taken on line 3--3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 4--4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one of the slidably adjustable electric light bulb receptacles;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the electric control box for the unit;

FIG. 7 is a wiring diagram of the control means for the eight small electric light bulbs;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a modified form of the invention; g

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a second modified structure of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 11-11 of FIG. 10.

plied mechanically to a conventional optical instrument called an Ophthalmometer which is not illustrated.

Generally the Unit comprises a capsule 10, having a rotatable portion 12 and a stationary portion 14, a plurality of radially disposed arms l6, 18, 20 and 22, each arm carrying a pair of electric light bulbs indicated generally at 24, and a bracket means 26 including screw means 28 for attachment to a portion of the Ophthalmometer.

One radially extending arm 22 is elongated as at 30 and comprises the connection means between the capsule l0 and the base assembly 26, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. A two-piece tubular conduit means 32 and 34 is preferably fixed to the elongated arm 22-30 to provide rigidity to said arm as well as to provide a conduit for electric wires, generally indicated at 36, extending from the light bulbs to the multiple plug 38 and ground plug 40.

The eight light bulbs, generally indicated by the numeral 24 will be identified hereinafter as 1 through 8 for the purpose of identification relative to their sequential operation by the control box 24 which will be subsequently described With particular reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the capsule 10 includes the aforementioned rotatable portion 12 which is comprised of a disc plate 44 having an loosely received in the groove 58 and a cover ring 62,

providing a central aperture 64 substantially equal in diameter to the diameter of aperture 52, is fixed to the ring 60. Apair of screws 66 and 68, having their heads recessed in ring 60, extend forwardly through cover ring 62 to receive respective bolts 70 and 72 to hold the cover ring 62 to the ring 60. The ring elements 60 and 62 comprise the aforementioned stationary portion of the capsule 10, the portion 12 being rotatable relative thereto by reason of the journal provided between the annular groove 58 and the inner annular edge portion 59 of the ring 60.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the radially extending arms 16, 18, 20 and 22 is fixed to the ring 60 by means of a screw 76 having its head portion recessed in the ring 60. Each screw is provided with an appropriate aperture 78 for slidable reception therethrough of one of said arms. A clamp nut 80 is threaded on the screw 76 whereby the arm is clamped against the forward face of ring 60.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the radially extending arm 22, as previously stated, is elongated as at 30 and the lower end portion 82 thereof is slidable received through the enlarged head 84 of a screw 86, the threaded portion of which is received through a horizontal slot 88 in the vertical portion 90 of an angle bracket 92. A wing nut 93 is provided to clamp the screw 86 in any desired position along the slot 88. The angle bracket 92 includes a horizontal portion 94 in engagement with the top web 96 of a main attachment bracket 98. Nut and bolt means 100 are provided to fix the angle bracket 92 to said top web 96. The main attachment bracket is of an inverted U configuration, and

carries the aforementioned screw means 28 for attachment to the Ophthalmometer.

As best illustrated in FIG. 5 each of the small electric light bulbs 24 is engaged in a receptacle 102 which is fixed to a plate 104 extending radially outwardly therefrom. A sleeve 106, sized for slidable engagment along the arms l6, 18, 20 or 22, is fixed to the plate 104 and extends outwardly at substantially right angles to said plate. In this manner all of the light bulbs 24 are adapted to be adjustably located in predetermined positions on the arms.

It is apparent from the foregoing description that the Unit is provided with a two point attachment to the Ophthalmometer, first, the attachment of the rotatable portion 12 of the capsule to the tube and, second, the attachment of the bracket 100 to the body portion thereof. The provision of the rotating portion 12 of the capsule permits rotational movement of the tube of the Ophthalmometer during conventional operation thereof and the provision of the slot 88 and wing nut 93 permits lateral swinging movement of the arm 22-30 which imparts a rotational movement to the light bulbs 1 through 8 about the axis of the tube of the Ophthalmometer. This rotational movement is, on occasion, necessary in the operation of the Ophthalmometer.

Referring now to the control box 42 and the electric circuit diagram, FIGS. 6 and 7, a multiple receptacle 110 is provided for the reception of the multiple plug 38 which is connected to the individual positive leads to each of the light bulbs and the common negative return jack or plug 40 is received in the receptacle 112.

A male plug 114 provides plug-in means to conventional household current, 110 volt alternating current for instance, which is supplied to a transformer 116 for reduction to the very low voltage required by the small light bulbs. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the control box also provides a main on-off switch 118, an indicator pilot light 120, a multiple selector switch 124 whereby the eight bulbs are sequentially illuminated in a predetermined order, and a rheostat 126 for varying the intensity of the light emitted from said bulbs.

In the circuit diagram FIG. 7, the light bulbs 1 through 8 are each provided with positive leads, numbered 1 through 8 in the predetermined order in which they are to be illuminated and the multiple receptacle 110 provides eight individual receptacles similarly numbered 1 through 8 for connection with the respective positive leads from-the light bulbs. For the sake of clarity in the drawing, the lead connections havenot been completed. I

The multiple selector switch 124 as seen in FIG. 7 is provided with eight contact positions similarly numbered 1 through 8 with lead connections to the respectively numbered receptacles of the multiple receptacle 110. Electric current is supplied to the movable switch arm 128 through lead 130 and when the switch arm 128 is rotated clockwisely to the positions 1 through 8 as viewed in FIGS. 6 and 7, the light bulbs 1 through 8 will be individually illuminated in the predetermined sequence.

The above detailed description applies to one preferred form of the present invention as applied to a particular optical instrument named Universal Ophthalmometer, however, other models of Ophthalmometers are commercially available and it can be readily understood that various structural changes and modifications can be made to adapt the invention for attachment to said other models.

One such modified form of unit of the present invention which is applicable to another Ophthalmometer model is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. This form will be described structurally insofar as it differs from the form illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7.

The capsule 10a comprises a rotatable portion and a fixed portion 14a which is held in an annular journal groove 58a formed between the main body portion 44a and the cover disc 62a which is fixed to the rotatable portion 12a by screws 66a. The annular pocket 48a formed in the rotatable portion 12a is tapered to adapt it to a particular Ophthalmometer model. Set screws 50a are provided to hold the rotatable portion 12a to the tube thereof.

As best seen in FIGS. 9, the arms 16a, 18a, 20a and 220 are inclined forwardly, away from the Ophthalmometer and toward the patient.

The base assembly 260 is generally similar to the assembly 26 with the exception that the angle bracket 92a is adjustable longitudinally of the main attachment bracket 98a by means of a screw and wing nut attachment means 120. The pass through aperture 122 in FIG. 8 comprises a slot extending longitudinally of the inverted U bracket 98a.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another modification of the instant invention which is applicable to yet another Ophthalmometer. In this form, the capsule 10b is substantially larger in diameter than the other forms illustrated and extends circumferentially around the arms 16b, 18b, 20b and 22b. The rotating portion 12b of capsule 1011 provides an annular pocket 48b for reception of the tube of the Ophthalmometer, and set screws 50b are utilized to hold the portion 12b to the tube for rotation therewith during conventional operation thereof.

The fixed portion 14b of capsule 10b is retained in an annular journal groove 58!: provided in the inside diameter of the capsule 10b between the main body portion 44b and the cover disc 62b of the rotatable portion 12b.

The bracket means 26b is identical to the structure illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the connecting portion 30b of arm 22b is offset forwardly of the capsule 10b by means of an angled portion 124. I

The arms 16b, 18b, 20b and 22b extend generally, radially inwardly from the inner diameter of the capsule 10b to an inner ring 126 which provides the central opening 128 to permit the normal functioning of the Ophthalmometer.

All other elements of the two modified forms of the invention such as the small light bulbs on the arms, the wiring and the control boxes are similar to those employed in the form illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7 and need no further description.

In operatiomthe patient is positioned by the operator of the Ophthalmometer and given simple instruction on the operation of the luminous points of orientation. The operator actuates the multiple switch to illuminate the light bulbs in the predetermined order and while each light bulb is lit, the patients focus is guided to the light and the operator sees the reflection of the light bulb in the cornea through the Ophthalmometer and makes a measurement. When this procedure has been followed through the lighting of all eight bulbs, eight peripheral measurements have been accomplished.

While several preferred forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A unit of orientation for peripheral Ophthalmometry for use in combination with an optical instrument which includes a main body portion and a tube, said unit comprising,

A. a capsule, having 1. a rotatable portion providing an inner annular pocket for reception of the tube of the optical instrument,

2. means for attaching said rotatable portion to the tube,

3. a fixed portion;

B. a bracket means for attachment to the body portion of the optical instrument;

C. a connection means between said bracket means and fixed portion;

D. a plurality of generally radially disposed arms fixed to said fixed portion;

E. a plurality of luminous points of orientation on said arms; and

F. control means for sequentially illuminating said luminous points in a predetermined order.

2. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 1 in which each of said luminous points comprises a small electric light bulb.

3. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 2 including receptaclemeans for each of said electric light bulbs, each of said receptacle means including sleeve means for adjustable sliding engagement along said arms.

4. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 3 in which said plurality of generally radially disposed arms comprises four arms extending outwardly from said fixed portion in a predetermined geometric pattern.

5. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 4 in which at least one of said light bulbs are provided on each of said four arms and are adjustable along said arms to form any desired geometric pattern within the limits defined by the lengths of said arms.

6. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 1 in which said connection means comprises an elongation of one of said arms.

7. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 6 in which said bracket means includes a first adjustment means whereby said fixed portion carrying said arms and luminous points may be pivotally moved about the axis of the tube by means of said elongation.

8. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 7 in which said first adjustment means comprises a transverse slot traversed by a screw, having a through hole in its head portion, the lower end of said elongation being slidably engaged through said hole, and a lock nut to hold said screw at any desired location along said slot.

9. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 8 in which said bracket means comprises an upper and lower bracket, said upper bracket including said first adjustment means, said lower bracket including screw means for attachment to the main body portion of the optical instrument and a second adjustment means whereby said upper bracket is adjustably movable longitudinally of said lower bracket.

10. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 9 in which said second adjustment means comprises a longitudinal slot in said lower bracket, a screw passing through said upper bracket and said slot and a lock nut for engagement on said screw.

11. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 1 in which said annular pocket is formed by a generally vertically disposed disc portion having a central aperture and a rearwardly extending peripheral annular flange.

12. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 11 in which said means for attaching, comprises a plurality of spaced set screws threaded inwardly through said peripheral annular flange for engagement with the tube.

13. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 1 in which a central aperture is provided through said rotatable and fixed portions of the capsule to permit normal operation of the tube.

14. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 1 in which said rotatable portion is provided with an annular groove and said fixed portion includes an annular portion extending into said groove.

15. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 1 in which each of said plurality of arms includes a forwardly angled portion.

16. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 15 in which each of said luminous points of orientation are adjustably carried by said angled portions.

17. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 1 in which said radially disposed arms include outer ends and said capsule extends circumferentially around and is fixed to said outer ends.

18. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 17 in which said fixed portion includes an outer annular ring and said rotatable portion includes an annular groove sized to receive said outer annular ring in a manner so as to permit rotational movement thereabout, said outer ends being fixed to said outer annular ring.

19. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 18 in which said fixed portion includes a reduced diameter inner ring and said radially disposed arms diverge inwardly to points of attachment to said inner ring.

20. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 14 in which said plurality of arms comprises four geometrically arranged arms extending between their points of attachment to said outer and inner rings.

21. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 20 in which said luminous points of orientation comprise at least one electric light bulbs adjustably arranged on each of said four arms.

22. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 21 in which said connection means is offset forwardly of said capsule.

23. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 5 in which said control means comprises an electric control unit having a connection to an electric power source, individual positive leads from said source to each of said light bulbs and a multiple switch connected to said leads for completing an electric circuit to each of said light bulbs in a predetermined sequence.

24. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 23 in which said electric control unit includes a transformer for reducing the electric current from the power source to the proper voltage requirements of the light bulbs.

25. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 23 in which said electric control unit includes a main on-off switch, a pilot light and a common negative lead conlight bulbsnection to all of said light bulbs. 

1. A unit of orientation for peripheral Ophthalmometry for use in combination with an optical instrument which includes a main body portion and a tube, said unit comprising, A. a capsule, having
 1. a rotatable portion providing an inner annular pocket for reception of the tube of the optical instrument,
 2. means for attaching said rotatable portion to the tube,
 3. a fixed portion; B. a bracket means for attachment to the body portion of the optical instrument; C. a connection means between said bracket means and fixed portion; D. a plurality of generally radially disposed arms fixed to said fixed portion; E. a plurality of luminous points Of orientation on said arms; and F. control means for sequentially illuminating said luminous points in a predetermined order.
 2. means for attaching said rotatable portion to the tube,
 2. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 1 in which each of said luminous points comprises a small electric light bulb.
 3. a fixed portion; B. a bracket means for attachment to the body portion of the optical instrument; C. a connection means between said bracket means and fixed portion; D. a plurality of generally radially disposed arms fixed to said fixed portion; E. a plurality of luminous points Of orientation on said arms; and F. control means for sequentially illuminating said luminous points in a predetermined order.
 3. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 2 including receptacle means for each of said electric light bulbs, each of said receptacle means including sleeve means for adjustable sliding engagement along said arms.
 4. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 3 in which said plurality of generally radially disposed arms comprises four arms extending outwardly from said fixed portion in a predetermined geometric pattern.
 5. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 4 in which at least one of said light bulbs are provided on each of said four arms and are adjustable along said arms to form any desired geometric pattern within the limits defined by the lengths of said arms.
 6. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 1 in which said connection means comprises an elongation of one of said arms.
 7. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 6 in which said bracket means includes a first adjustment means whereby said fixed portion carrying said arms and luminous points may be pivotally moved about the axis of the tube by means of said elongation.
 8. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 7 in which said first adjustment means comprises a transverse slot traversed by a screw, having a through hole in its head portion, the lower end of said elongation being slidably engaged through said hole, and a lock nut to hold said screw at any desired location along said slot.
 9. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 8 in which said bracket means comprises an upper and lower bracket, said upper bracket including said first adjustment means, said lower bracket including screw means for attachment to the main body portion of the optical instrument and a second adjustment means whereby said upper bracket is adjustably movable longitudinally of said lower bracket.
 10. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 9 in which said second adjustment means comprises a longitudinal slot in said lower bracket, a screw passing through said upper bracket and said slot and a lock nut for engagement on said screw.
 11. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 1 in which said annular pocket is formed by a generally vertically disposed disc portion having a central aperture and a rearwardly extending peripheral annular flange.
 12. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 11 in which said means for attaching, comprises a plurality of spaced set screws threaded inwardly through said peripheral annular flange for engagement with the tube.
 13. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 1 in which a central aperture is provided through said rotatable and fixed portions of the capsule to permit normal operation of the tube.
 14. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 1 in which said rotatable portion is provided with an annular groove and said fixed portion includes an annular portion extending into said groove.
 15. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 1 in which each of said plurality of arms includes a forwardly angled portion.
 16. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 15 in which each of said luminous points of orientation are adjustably carried by said angled portions.
 17. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 1 in which said radially disposed arms include outer ends and said capsule extends circumferentially around and is fixed to said outer ends.
 18. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 17 in which said fixed portion includes an outer annular ring and said rotatable portion includes an annular groove sized to receive said outer annular ring in a manner so as to permit rotational movement thereabout, said outer ends being fixed to said outer annular ring.
 19. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 18 in which said fixed portion includes a reduced diameter inner ring and said radially disposed arms diverge inwardly to points of attachment to said inner ring.
 20. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 14 in which said plurality of arms comprises four geometrically arranged arms extending between their points of attachment to said outer and inner rings.
 21. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 20 in which said luminous points of orientation comprise at least one electric light bulbs adjustably arranged on each of said four arms.
 22. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 21 in which said connection means is offset forwardly of said capsule.
 23. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 5 in which said control means comprises an electric control unit having a connection to an electric power source, individual positive leads from said source to each of said light bulbs and a multiple switch connected to said leads for completing an electric circuit to each of said light bulbs in a predetermined sequence.
 24. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 23 in which said electric control unit includes a transformer for reducing the electric current from the power source to the proper voltage requirements of the light bulbs.
 25. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 23 in which said electric control unit includes a main on-off switch, a pilot light and a common negative lead connection to all of said light bulbs.
 26. A unit of orientation as defined in claim 23 in which said electric control unit includes a rheostat for controlling the intensity of the light emitted by said light bulbs. 